Slate Auto's Affordable Electric Vehicle Pre-Orders Begin June 24
TL;DR
- Slate Auto plans to open reservations for its low-cost electric pickup on June 24, with a launch aimed at the mass-market EV segment.
- The Bezos-backed startup is targeting a sub-$20,000 base price with tax incentives, plus a minimalist design and two battery options for longer range.
- Production is expected in late 2026, and the company says deliveries should follow after it ramps up manufacturing in Indiana.
Slate Auto’s Affordable Electric Vehicle Pre-Orders Begin June 24
Slate Auto is preparing to open pre-orders for its first electric vehicle on June 24, marking a major milestone for the stealthy startup backed in part by Jeff Bezos. The company is pitching the vehicle as a stripped-down, highly customizable electric pickup designed to bring down the cost of EV ownership while still offering practical utility.
The launch is drawing attention because Slate is aiming at a price point few electric vehicles can match. Reporting from CNBC, Forbes, Axios, and TechCrunch indicates the truck is being positioned at under $20,000 with federal incentives, or in the mid-$20,000 range before credits, depending on configuration and timing.
What Slate is building
Slate’s debut model is a two-door electric pickup with a minimalist layout and an emphasis on personalization. The base vehicle reportedly skips features such as an infotainment system and radio, and uses manual windows to keep costs low.
The company’s “build it simple, customize it later” approach is central to the strategy. Slate says buyers can add upgrades and accessories over time, which could raise the final price but also gives owners a path to tailor the vehicle to their needs and budget.
Battery options and performance
Slate’s truck is expected to ship with two battery choices. One version uses a 52.7-kWh battery with an estimated 150-mile range, while the larger 84.3-kWh pack is aimed at roughly 240 miles of range.
Other reported specifications suggest a rear-wheel-drive layout, a top speed around 90 mph, and a focus on practical rather than sporty performance. One industry report also says the vehicle should support fast charging from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Why the price is so low
Slate’s pricing strategy relies on simplicity and parts sharing. CNBC reports the vehicle uses many off-the-shelf components from suppliers, while the body is made from injection-molded composite instead of steel or aluminum, which helps reduce cost and weight.
The stripped-back design is also a major reason the truck can undercut many rivals. Forbes reported that the entry-level model omits several comfort and convenience features, which Slate believes will allow it to offer a cheaper base vehicle than competing EVs.
Where the trucks will be built
Slate is building out a manufacturing operation in Warsaw, Indiana, at a former printing site, with plans for annual output of up to 150,000 vehicles. TechCrunch reported that the company expects production to begin in late 2026, and CNBC similarly said deliveries are targeted by the end of next year.
That timeline suggests the company is still in an early ramp-up phase, but the production plan appears more concrete than many startup EV announcements, thanks to facility work and supplier coordination already underway.
Bezos backing adds momentum
Jeff Bezos’ involvement has helped turn Slate into one of the most closely watched EV startups of the year. TechCrunch reported that Bezos’ family office is linked to the company’s funding, while Forbes and Axios identified him as a notable backer in a $111 million Series A round.
Slate is also led by former automotive and tech executives, reinforcing the company’s pitch that it can combine startup agility with experienced leadership. That mix has fueled interest in whether Slate can execute where many lower-cost EV startups have struggled.
Why the launch matters
The EV market has largely been defined by rising prices, feature-heavy vehicles, and aggressive competition from established automakers and Tesla. Slate is trying to move in the opposite direction by offering a small, barebones, customizable truck that targets affordability first.
If Slate can launch on schedule and hit its pricing targets, it could carve out a niche in the U.S. market among buyers who want an electric truck without the premium price tag. The bigger question is whether the company can scale manufacturing fast enough to meet demand while preserving that low starting price.
What to watch next
The immediate watch item is the opening of reservations on June 24, followed by updates on how quickly Slate can convert pre-orders into a production backlog. Investors and consumers will also be watching for any final confirmation of trim pricing, reservation terms, and whether incentives remain available when deliveries begin.
The other key milestone is production timing. Slate has said it expects to begin building vehicles in late 2026, and that schedule will be critical in determining whether the startup becomes a serious new EV contender or just another ambitious entrant in a crowded market.
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